Sophiya Haque, Who Had Been Appearing in the West End's Privates on Parade, Dies at Age 41

Actress Sophiya Haque, who had been appearing in Michael Grandage's West End production of Privates on Parade, died on January 16 at age 41. The cause was cancer.

Haque left Privates on Parade shortly before Christmas. Her other stage credits included Bombay Dreams, Wah Wah Girls, Britain's Got Bhangra, The Vagina Monologues and The Far Pavilions.

Haque began her career as a popular VJ for MTV Asia. Her TV career continued with the roles of Poppy on the popular soap Coronation Street and Senkhara on the series House of Anubis. She trained at the Arts Educaltion School. In 1988, her band Akasa signed a record deal with Warner Bros.

“We are devastated by Sophiya’s sudden passing," director Grandage, currrently represented on Broadway by Evita, and executive producer James Bierman said in a statement. "She was a true force of nature and her glorious performance as Sylvia is one that will be remembered with great joy. A spirited lady, she lived life to the full, and her presence in the theatre will be sorely missed. The company would like to dedicate the remaining performances to her memory.”